Adams and Reese Government Affairs Advisor Laura DiBella will receive an “Above & Beyond” award from the News Service of Florida, a daily publication covering state government, economy, policy, and politics. This award recognizes the 50 most influential Florida female leaders for their professional achievements and community contributions.
The honorees will be recognized at the 2nd Annual News Service of Florida Above & Beyond Gala on Tuesday, Oct. 8, at 6:30 p.m., at the Doubletree Hilton Hotel in Tallahassee. Honorees will also be featured on the News Service of Florida website in October.
DiBella was Florida’s first female Secretary of Commerce. Her former role combined with economic development experience has enabled the Adams and Reese Governmental Affairs Advisor to use her business, government, capitol connections, and knowledge of the regulatory and procurement processes to provide clients with government relations and consulting services.
DiBella is a dynamic ambassador for Florida’s business, assisting clients at the intersection of business and government, including clients that need legislative and executive branch representation, economic development strategy and consulting, including, but not limited to, site selection, recruitment and retention project assistance, international trade, venture capital, and knowledge of the processes of the State of Florida government.
DiBella works with businesses looking to relocate into Florida, maximizing their investment opportunities and incentives. She is also experienced in business development, project management, marketing, planning, public relations, and public speaking.
Prior to joining Adams and Reese, DiBella was the former President of Business Development at FloridaCommerce; President/CEO at Enterprise Florida; President of the Florida Opportunity Fund (Florida’s Venture Capital arm), gaining knowledge of the state funded startup ecosystem; Executive Director of Florida Harbor Pilots Association; Port Director of Port of Fernandina Ocean Highway and Port Authority; and Executive Director of Nassau County Economic Development Board. She has also been a Florida licensed real estate broker for over 20 years.
DiBella has formerly served in leadership positions in the Aerospace Alliance, FDOT Freight Advisory Committee, Florida State College at Jacksonville District Board of Trustees, Florida Ocean Alliance Board, Florida Economic Development Council Florida 2030 Task Force, U.S. Constitution Scholarship Foundation Advisory Committee, MARAD America’s Marine Highway Advisory Panel, and FEMA National Business Emergency Operations Center.
In the community, DiBella is a co-founder of the LATAM Family Office Society, and former volunteer as a certified guardian in Florida’s 2nd Judicial Circuit Guardian ad Litem Program.